Gps device and integrated circuit  with an on-chip gyrator

ABSTRACT

An integrated circuit, for use in a GPS device, includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the IC. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver receives a GPS signal and generates GPS position data based on the GPS signal. A processing module processes the motion parameter to produce motion data and that generates position information based on the GPS position data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC 120 as acontinuation of the application entitled, “Ser. No. 11/731,256,entitled, GPS DEVICE AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH AN ON-CHIP GYRATOR,filed on Mar. 29, 2007.

The present application is also related to the following copendingapplications:

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING GPS RECEIVER AND AN ON-CHIPGYRATOR, having Ser. No. 11/731,238; and

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING GPS RECEIVER AND AN ON-CHIPGYRATOR, having serial no.; the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to mobile communication devices, GPSreceivers and more particularly to RF integrated circuit for usetherein.

2. Description of Related Art

Communication systems are known to support wireless and wire linedcommunications between wireless and/or wire lined communication devices.Such communication systems range from national and/or internationalcellular telephone systems to the Internet to point-to-point in-homewireless networks. Each type of communication system is constructed, andhence operates, in accordance with one or more communication standards.For instance, wireless communication systems may operate in accordancewith one or more standards including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, advanced mobile phone services (AMPS), digital AMPS, globalsystem for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access(CDMA), local multi-point distribution systems (LMDS),multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS), radio frequencyidentification (RFID), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE),General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and/or variations thereof.

Depending on the type of wireless communication system, a wirelesscommunication device, such as a cellular telephone, two-way radio,personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptopcomputer, home entertainment equipment, RFID reader, RFID tag, et ceteracommunicates directly or indirectly with other wireless communicationdevices. For direct communications (also known as point-to-pointcommunications), the participating wireless communication devices tunetheir receivers and transmitters to the same channel or channels (e.g.,one of the plurality of radio frequency (RF) carriers of the wirelesscommunication system or a particular RF frequency for some systems) andcommunicate over that channel(s). For indirect wireless communications,each wireless communication device communicates directly with anassociated base station (e.g., for cellular services) and/or anassociated access point (e.g., for an in-home or in-building wirelessnetwork) via an assigned channel. To complete a communication connectionbetween the wireless communication devices, the associated base stationsand/or associated access points communicate with each other directly,via a system controller, via the public switch telephone network, viathe Internet, and/or via some other wide area network.

For each wireless communication device to participate in wirelesscommunications, it includes a built-in radio transceiver (i.e., receiverand transmitter) or is coupled to an associated radio transceiver (e.g.,a station for in-home and/or in-building wireless communicationnetworks, RF modem, etc.). As is known, the receiver is coupled to anantenna and includes a low noise amplifier, one or more intermediatefrequency stages, a filtering stage, and a data recovery stage. The lownoise amplifier receives inbound RF signals via the antenna andamplifies then. The one or more intermediate frequency stages mix theamplified RF signals with one or more local oscillations to convert theamplified RF signal into baseband signals or intermediate frequency (IF)signals. The filtering stage filters the baseband signals or the IFsignals to attenuate unwanted out of band signals to produce filteredsignals. The data recovery stage recovers raw data from the filteredsignals in accordance with the particular wireless communicationstandard.

As is also known, the transmitter includes a data modulation stage, oneor more intermediate frequency stages, and a power amplifier. The datamodulation stage converts raw data into baseband signals in accordancewith a particular wireless communication standard. The one or moreintermediate frequency stages mix the baseband signals with one or morelocal oscillations to produce RF signals. The power amplifier amplifiesthe RF signals prior to transmission via an antenna.

While transmitters generally include a data modulation stage, one ormore IF stages, and a power amplifier, the particular implementation ofthese elements is dependent upon the data modulation scheme of thestandard being supported by the transceiver. For example, if thebaseband modulation scheme is Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK), thedata modulation stage functions to convert digital words into quadraturemodulation symbols, which have a constant amplitude and varying phases.The IF stage includes a phase locked loop (PLL) that generates anoscillation at a desired RF frequency, which is modulated based on thevarying phases produced by the data modulation stage. The phasemodulated RF signal is then amplified by the power amplifier inaccordance with a transmit power level setting to produce a phasemodulated RF signal.

As another example, if the data modulation scheme is 8-PSK (phase shiftkeying), the data modulation stage functions to convert digital wordsinto symbols having varying amplitudes and varying phases. The IF stageincludes a phase locked loop (PLL) that generates an oscillation at adesired RF frequency, which is modulated based on the varying phasesproduced by the data modulation stage. The phase modulated RF signal isthen amplified by the power amplifier in accordance with the varyingamplitudes to produce a phase and amplitude modulated RF signal.

As yet another example, if the data modulation scheme is x-QAM (16, 64,128, 256 quadrature amplitude modulation), the data modulation stagefunctions to convert digital words into Cartesian coordinate symbols(e.g., having an in-phase signal component and a quadrature signalcomponent). The IF stage includes mixers that mix the in-phase signalcomponent with an in-phase local oscillation and mix the quadraturesignal component with a quadrature local oscillation to produce twomixed signals. The mixed signals are summed together and filtered toproduce an RF signal that is subsequently amplified by a poweramplifier.

As is also known, hand held global positioning system (GPS) receiversare becoming popular. In general, GPS receivers includereceiver-processors, and a highly-stable clock, and an antenna that istuned to the frequencies transmitted by the satellites. The receiver mayalso include a display for providing location and speed information tothe user. Many GPS receivers can relay position data to a PC or otherdevice using a US-based National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)protocol.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods of operationthat are further described in the following Brief Description of theDrawings, the Detailed Description of the Invention, and the claims.Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the invention madewith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 111 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationdevice 10 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 30 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 30′ inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a gyrating circuit 200 and GPSreceiver 210 used to generate position and velocity information inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of position information determinedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a gyrating circuit 200 and GPSreceiver 210 used to generate position and velocity information inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of RF transceiver135 and GPS receiver 187 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of RF transceiver135′ and with dual mode receiver 137′ in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial representation of GPS device 270 in accordance anembodiment of with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial representation of GPS device 270 in accordance anembodiment of with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of GPS device 270 in accordance anembodiment with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationsystem in accordance with the present invention. In particular acommunication system is shown that includes a communication device 10that communicates real-time data 24 and non-real-time data 26 wirelesslywith one or more other devices such as base station 18, non-real-timedevice 20, real-time device 22, and non-real-time and/or real-timedevice 24. In addition, communication device 10 can also optionallycommunicate over a wireline connection with non-real-time device 12,real-time device 14 and non-real-time and/or real-time device 16.

In an embodiment of the present invention the wireline connection 28 canbe a wired connection that operates in accordance with one or morestandard protocols, such as a universal serial bus (USB), Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488, IEEE 1394 (Firewire),Ethernet, small computer system interface (SCSI), serial or paralleladvanced technology attachment (SATA or PATA), or other wiredcommunication protocol, either standard or proprietary. The wirelessconnection can communicate in accordance with a wireless networkprotocol such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), WIMAX, orother wireless network protocol, a wireless telephony data/voiceprotocol such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution(EDGE), Personal Communication Services (PCS), or other mobile wirelessprotocol or other wireless communication protocol, either standard orproprietary. Further, the wireless communication path can includeseparate transmit and receive paths that use separate carrierfrequencies and/or separate frequency channels. Alternatively, a singlefrequency or frequency channel can be used to bi-directionallycommunicate data to and from the communication device 10.

Communication device 10 can be a mobile phone such as a cellulartelephone, a personal digital assistant, game console, game device,personal computer, laptop computer, or other device that performs one ormore functions that include communication of voice and/or data viawireline connection 28 and/or the wireless communication path. In anembodiment of the present invention, the real-time and non-real-timedevices 12, 14 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 can be personal computers, laptops,PDAs, mobile phones, such as cellular telephones, devices equipped withwireless local area network or Bluetooth transceivers, FM tuners, TVtuners, digital cameras, digital camcorders, or other devices thateither produce, process or use audio, video signals or other data orcommunications.

In operation, the communication device includes one or more applicationsthat include voice communications such as standard telephonyapplications, voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, localgaming, Internet gaming, email, instant messaging, multimedia messaging,web browsing, audio/video recording, audio/video playback, audio/videodownloading, playing of streaming audio/video, office applications suchas databases, spreadsheets, word processing, presentation creation andprocessing and other voice and data applications. In conjunction withthese applications, the real-time data 26 includes voice, audio, videoand multimedia applications including Internet gaming, etc. Thenon-real-time data 24 includes text messaging, email, web browsing, fileuploading and downloading, etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 10includes an integrated circuit, such as an RF integrated circuit thatincludes one or more features or functions of the present invention.Such integrated circuits shall be described in greater detail inassociation with FIGS. 3-24 that follow.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of anothercommunication system in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 2 presents a communication system that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 1 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. Communication device 30 is similar to communication device 10and is capable of any of the applications, functions and featuresattributed to communication device 10, as discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1. However, communication device 30 includes one or more separatewireless transceivers for communicating, contemporaneously, via two ormore wireless communication protocols with data device 32 and/or database station 34 via RF data 40 and voice base station 36 and/or voicedevice 38 via RF voice signals 42.

FIG. 3 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 111 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wirelessnetwork 111 includes an access point 110 that is coupled to packetswitched backbone network 101. The access point 110 managescommunication flow over the wireless network 111 destined for andoriginating from each of communication devices 121, 123, 125 and 127.Via the access point 110, each of the communication devices 121, 123,125 and 127 can access service provider network 105 and Internet 103 to,for example, surf web-sites, download audio and/or video programming,send and receive messages such as text messages, voice message andmultimedia messages, access broadcast, stored or streaming audio, videoor other multimedia content, play games, send and receive telephonecalls, and perform any other activities, provided directly by accesspoint 110 or indirectly through packet switched backbone network 101.

One or more of the communication devices 121, 123, 125 and 127, such ascommunication device 125 is a mobile device that can include thefunctionality of communication devices 10 or 30. In particular,communication device 125 includes an RF integrated circuit (IC) havingan on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based onmotion of the device including a velocity, velocity vector, acceleration(including deceleration), indicating and/or other motion parameter. Inaddition, communication device 125 includes a GPS receiver thatgenerates GPS position data and/or GPS velocity data. The RF ICprocesses the motion parameter along with the GPS position data and GPSvelocity data to produce motion data, such as position information andvelocity information that identifies the location, velocity, and ordirection of motion of the communication device 125. The RF IC can usedata from either the gyrator or the GPS receiver or both to generate themotion data. If for instance the GPS receiver is running and receiving astrong signal, GPS position and velocity data can be used to generatethe motion data. If however, the GPS receiver is starting up, has lostsatellite reception or is otherwise generating inaccurate data, thegyrator can be used to generate velocity data and can further generateposition data from the last know position coordinates.

The RF IC further generates outbound data that includes the motion dataand/or a flag or other data that indicates communication device 125 is amobile device, generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data andtransmits the outbound RF signal to a remote station, such as the accesspoint 110.

In operation, access point 110 can change its own transmit and receivecharacteristics, based on the knowledge that communication device 125 ismobile, is in motion and/or based on information from a velocity vectoror other motion data that indicates that the communication device 125 ismoving into closer range, is moving out of range, is moving close to aknown source of interference, is moving into an obstructed path, etc.Examples of transmit and receive characteristics include: transmit powerlevels; antenna configurations such as multi-input multi-output (MIMO)configuration, beam patterns, polarization patterns, diversityconfigurations, etc. to adapt the orientation and/or position of thecommunication device; protocol parameters and other transmit and receivecharacteristics of the access point.

In addition, access point 110 can generate control data to transmit tothe communication device 127 or the communication devices 121, 123 and125, to modify the transmit and receive characteristics of thesedevices. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, accesspoint 110 can generate a request to receive periodic motion data fromthe communication device 127. Alternatively, communication device 127can generate and transmit motion data on a regular and/or periodic basisor in response to changes in motion data that compare unfavorably (suchas to exceed) a motion change threshold, such as to inform the accesspoint 100 when the communication device 127 starts, stops, changes speedand/or direction, etc.

For example, when communication device 127 indicates to access point 110that it is a mobile device, access point 110 can request thatcommunication device 127 send periodic motion data. If the access point110 determines that the communication device 127 is moving out of range,it can increase its power level, and steer its antenna beam in thedirection of the mobile device 127 and command the mobile device 127 tomodify one or more if its transmit and/or receive parameters, such as tocommand the communication device 127 to increase its power level, steerits antenna beam at the access point and/or to modify other protocolparameters to compensate for a possible lowering of signal to noiseratio, etc.

Also, communication device can respond to the motion data it generatesto control its transmit and receive characteristics, withoutintervention from the access point. For example, if the communicationdevice 127 determines it is moving out of range, it can increase itspower level, and steer its antenna beam in the direction of the accesspoint 110 and/or modify other protocol parameters to compensate for apossible lowering of signal to noise ratio, etc.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integratedcircuit in accordance with the present invention. In particular, an RFintegrated circuit (IC) 50 is shown that implements communication device10 in conjunction with microphone 60, keypad/keyboard 58, memory 54,speaker 62, display 56, camera 76, antenna interface 52 and wirelineport 64. In operation, RF IC 50 includes a dual mode transceiver/GPSreceiver 73 having RF and baseband modules for receiving GPS signals 42and further for transmitting and receiving data RF real-time data 26 andnon-real-time data 24 via an antenna interface 52 and antenna such asfixed antenna a single-input single-output (SISO) antenna, a multi-inputmulti-output (MIMO) antenna, a diversity antenna system, an antennaarray or other antenna configuration that allows the beam shape, gain,polarization or other antenna parameters to be controlled. In addition,RF IC 50 includes input/output module 71 that includes the appropriateinterfaces, drivers, encoders and decoders for communicating via thewireline connection 28 via wireline port 64, an optional memoryinterface for communicating with off-chip memory 54, a codec forencoding voice signals from microphone 60 into digital voice signals, akeypad/keyboard interface for generating data from keypad/keyboard 58 inresponse to the actions of a user, a display driver for driving display56, such as by rendering a color video signal, text, graphics, or otherdisplay data, and an audio driver such as an audio amplifier for drivingspeaker 62 and one or more other interfaces, such as for interfacingwith the camera 76 or the other peripheral devices.

Power management circuit (PMU) 95 includes one or more DC-DC converters,voltage regulators, current regulators or other power supplies forsupplying the RF IC 50 and optionally the other components ofcommunication device 10 and/or its peripheral devices with supplyvoltages and or currents (collectively power supply signals) that may berequired to power these devices. Power management circuit 95 can operatefrom one or more batteries, line power, an inductive power received froma remote device, a piezoelectric source that generates power in responseto motion of the integrated circuit and/or from other power sources, notshown. In particular, power management module can selectively supplypower supply signals of different voltages, currents or current limitsor with adjustable voltages, currents or current limits in response topower mode signals received from the RF IC 50. While shown as anoff-chip module, PMU 95 can alternatively implemented as an on-chipcircuit.

In addition, RF IC 50 includes an on-chip gyrating circuit such ason-chip gyrator 175 that generates a motion parameter based on motion ofthe RF IC 50. In an embodiment of the present invention, the on-chipgyrator is implemented with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)technology to form a piezoelectric gyroscope, a vibrating wheelgyroscope, a tuning fork gyroscope, a hemispherical resonator gyroscope,or a rotating wheel gyroscope along one, two or three axes to indicatemotion in one, two or three dimensions. In particular, the on-chipgyrating circuit includes a gyroscope element that is formed via dryetching, wet etching, electro discharge machining and/or via other MEMSor non-MEMS technology. In operation, the on-chip gyrator responds toinertial forces, such as Coriolis acceleration, in one, two or threeaxes to generate motion data, such as a velocity vector in one, two orthree dimensions.

In operation, the RF transceiver 73 generates an outbound RF signal fromoutbound data and generates inbound data from an inbound RF signal.Further, processing module 225 is coupled to the on-chip gyratingcircuit and the RF transceiver, and processes the motion parameter toproduce motion data, generates the outbound data that includes themotion data, and receives the inbound data that optionally includes datafrom an access point to modify transmit and/or receive parameters inresponse to the motion data that was transmitted.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3, the communication device 10,such as a station set in communication with and access point, wirelesstelephone set that places and receives wireless calls through a wirelesstelephone network and/or a IP telephone system, via a base station,access point or other communication portal, operates through command bythe processing module 225 to respond to the position/motion data itgenerates from on-chip gyrator 175 and the GPS receiver to control thetransmit and receive characteristics of transceiver 73. For example, ifthe communication device 10 determines it is moving out of range, it canincrease its power level, and steer its antenna beam in the direction ofthe access point and/or modify other protocol parameters to compensatefor a possible lowering of signal to noise ratio, modify its receiversensitivity, etc. In addition, position information generated by GPSreceiver and/or on-chip gyrator 175 can be included in the outbound RFsignal sent to a telephone network to support a 911 call such as an E911emergency call.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the RF IC 50 is a system on achip integrated circuit that includes at least one processing device.Such a processing device, for instance, processing module 225, may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. Theassociated memory may be a single memory device or a plurality of memorydevices that are either on-chip or off-chip such as memory 54. Such amemory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flashmemory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note thatwhen the RF IC 50 implements one or more of its functions via a statemachine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry,the associated memory storing the corresponding operational instructionsfor this circuitry is embedded with the circuitry comprising the statemachine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

In operation, the RF IC 50 executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication devices 10, 30 and/or 127 as discussed aboveand in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 5 presents a communication device 30 that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 4 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. RF IC 70 is similar to RF IC 50 and is capable of any of theapplications, functions and features attributed to RF IC 50 as discussedin conjunction with FIG. 3. However, RF IC 70 includes a separatewireless transceiver 75 for transmitting and receiving RF data 40 and RFvoice signals 42 and further a separate GPS receiver 77 for receivingGPS signals 43.

In operation, the RF IC 70 executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication devices 10, 30 and 127 as discussed aboveand in conjunction with FIG. 1-3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance with the present invention. Inparticular, FIG. 6 presents a communication device 30 that includes manycommon elements of FIG. 5 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. RF IC 70′ is similar to RF IC 70 and is capable of any of theapplications, functions and features attributed to RF ICs 50 and 70 asdiscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 3-5. However, RF IC 70′ operates inconjunction with an off-chip GPS receiver 77′ for receiving GPS signals43.

In operation, the RF IC 70′ executes operational instructions thatimplement one or more of the applications (real-time or non-real-time)attributed to communication devices 10, 30 and 127 as discussed aboveand in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a gyrating circuit 200 and GPSreceiver 210 used to generate position and velocity information inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, gyrating circuit 200, such as on-chip gyrator 175 and GPSreceiver, such as GPS receiver 77, 77′ or dual mode receiver 73cooperate to generate position information 230 and velocity information232 that can be used by communication devices 10, 30, 30′ and/or 125 tocontrol its own operation or to send to remote devices such as accesspoint 110, a base station, telephone network or system, etc.

GPS receiver 210 generates GPS position data and GPS data quality signal216. In operation, GPS receiver 210 is coupled to recover a plurality ofcoarse/acquisition (C/A) signals and a plurality of navigation messagesfrom received GPS signals 43. The GPS receiver 210 utilizes the C/Asignals and the navigations messages to determine the position of thecommunication device.

In particular, GPS receiver 210 generates one or more clock signals. Theclock signal(s) may also be used by the GPS receiver 210 to determinethe communication device's position. GPS receiver 210 determines a timedelay for at least some of the plurality of C/A signals in accordancewith the at least one clock signal. The GPS receiver calculates adistance to a corresponding plurality of satellites of the at least someof the plurality of C/A signals based on the time delays for the atleast some of the plurality of C/A signals. In other words, for each GPSsignal 43 received, which are received from different satellites, theGPS receiver 210 calculates a time delay with respect to each satellitethat the communication device is receiving a GPS RF signal from, or asubset thereof. For instance, the GPS receiver 210 identifies eachsatellite's signal by its distinct C/A code pattern, then measures thetime delay for each satellite. To do this, the receiver produces anidentical C/A sequence using the same seed number as the satellite. Bylining up the two sequences, the receiver can measure the delay andcalculate the distance to the satellite, called the pseudorange. Notethat overlapping pseudoranges may be represented as curves, which aremodified to yield the probable position.

GPS receiver 210 can calculate the position of the correspondingplurality of satellites based on corresponding navigation messages ofthe plurality of navigation messages. For example, the GPS receiver 210uses the orbital position data of the navigation message to calculatethe satellite's position. The GPS receiver 210 can determine thelocation of the RF IC 50, 70 or 70′ (and therefore communication device10, 30, 30′ or 127) based on the distance of the corresponding pluralityof satellites and the position of the corresponding plurality ofsatellites. For instance, by knowing the position and the distance of asatellite, the GPS receiver 210 can determine it's location to besomewhere on the surface of an imaginary sphere centered on thatsatellite and whose radius is the distance to it. When four satellitesare measured simultaneously, the intersection of the four imaginaryspheres reveals the location of the receiver. Often, these spheres willoverlap slightly instead of meeting at one point, so the receiver willyield a mathematically most-probable position that can be output as GPSposition data 212. In addition, GPS receiver 210 can determine theamount of uncertainty in the calculation that is output as the GPS dataquality 216. In the event that the GPS receiver 210 loses lock orotherwise receives insufficient signal from enough satellites togenerate a GPS of even minimal accuracy, a minimum value of the GPS dataquality signal can be assigned.

At the same time, gyrating circuit 200 generates a motion vector 202that is integrated by integrator 204 based on an initial condition 208that is either its own prior estimated position data 206 or the priorGPS position data 212. By adding the motion vector 202 to the priorposition, new estimated position data 206 can be generated.

In this embodiment, the GPS data quality 216 is compared with a value,such as quality threshold 218 that corresponds to a level of qualitythat is roughly on par with accuracy of position information that can beestimated using the gyrator circuit 200. If the GPS data quality 216compares favorably to the quality threshold, the position information230 is selected by multiplexer 222 as the GPS position data 212 inresponse to the selection signal 215 from comparator 217. When the GPSdata quality 216 compares unfavorably to the quality threshold 218, suchas during a dropout condition, the selection signal 215 from comparator217 selects the position information 230 from the estimated positiondata 206. The estimated position data 206 is initially generated fromthe prior (good) value of the GPS position data 212 (delayed by delay221) and the current motion vector 202. If the dropout conditionpersists, the integrator 204 generates new estimated position data 206based on the current motion vector 202 and the prior estimated position206, as selected by multiplexer 220 in response to selection signal 215.While an integrator 204 is shown in this configuration, low-cornerfrequency low-pass filters, integrators with additional filtrationand/or other filter configurations could likewise be employed. Forinstance, estimated position data 206 can be generated based on afiltered difference between current motion vector values and either pastGPS position data 212 or past estimated position data 206, to providemore accurate estimates, to reject noise and/or to otherwise smooth theestimated position data 206.

In a similar fashion, velocity information 232 is generated either fromthe gyrating circuit 200 or from the GPS receiver 210. In particular,when the GPS data quality 216 compares favorably to quality threshold218, velocity information 232 is selected from a difference module 214that generates a velocity from the difference between successive valuesof the GPS position data 212. If however, the GPS data quality 216compares unfavorably to the quality threshold 218, the velocityinformation 232 is selected instead from the motion vector 202.

While shown in a schematic block diagram as separate modules, theintegrator 204, difference module 214, comparator 217, and multiplexers220, 222, and 224 can likewise be implemented as part of processingmodule 225 either in hardware, firmware or software.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation of position information determinedin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inparticular, position information 230 is shown that shows a graph, inmap/Cartesian coordinates, of position information that progresses fromtimes t₄-t₈, corresponding to sample times or other discrete intervalsused to generate and/or update position information 230. The first threetimes, position data is derived from GPS position data such as GPSposition data 212. The velocity information, as shown for this interval,is GPS velocity data that is derived by the difference between the GPSposition data. In this example, a GPS signal dropout covers times t₄-t₆.At time t₄, the GPS position data may be unreliable or inaccurate, sothe new position is estimated position data that is generated from theprior GPS position data at time t₃, and updated by the current motionvector, such as motion vector 202 from the gyrating circuit. At times t₅and t₆, the GPS position data still may be unreliable or inaccurate, sothe new position is estimated position data that is generated from theprior GPS position data (in this case prior estimated positions),updated by the current motion vector. At time t₇ and t₈, when the GPSposition data again becomes reliable, the GPS position data is used togenerate the position information.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a gyrating circuit 200 and GPSreceiver 210 used to generate position and velocity information inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Inparticular, a system is shown that includes similar elements from FIG. 7that are referred to by common reference numerals. In this embodimenthowever, data from the gyrating circuit 200 and GPS receiver 210 areblended, based on the GPS data quality 216. In particular, weightingmodules 240, 242, and 244 are provided that form the positioninformation 230, the velocity information 232 and the initial condition208 based on a weighted average of the GPS and gyrator produced values,wherein the weighting coefficients are dynamically chosen based on theGPS data quality 216.

For instance, for the value of the GPS data quality 216 corresponding tothe highest accuracy GPS data, the weighting coefficients can be chosento maximize the weight of the GPS position 212, and to minimize theweight of the estimated position data 206 in calculating the initialcondition 208 and the position information 230 and further to maximizethe weight of the GPS velocity data 224, and to minimize the weight ofthe motion vector 202 in calculating the velocity information 232.Further, for the value of the GPS data quality corresponding to thelowest accuracy GPS data (including a dropout condition), the weightingcoefficients can be chosen to minimize the weight of the GPS position212, and to maximize the weight of the estimated position data 206 incalculating the initial condition 208 and the position information 230and further to minimize the weight of the GPS velocity data 224, and tomaximize the weight of the motion vector 202 in calculating the velocityinformation 232. Also, for intermediate values of the GPS data quality216, intermediate weighting values could be used that blend the GPS datawith the data derived from the gyrating circuit to generate more robustestimates of these values.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of RF transceiver135 and GPS receiver 187 in accordance with the present invention. TheRF transceiver 135, such as transceiver 75 includes an RF transmitter139, and an RF receiver 137. The RF receiver 137 includes a RF front end140, a down conversion module 142 and a receiver processing module 144.The RF transmitter 139 includes a transmitter processing module 146, anup conversion module 148, and a radio transmitter front-end 150.

As shown, the receiver and transmitter are each coupled to an antennathrough an off-chip antenna interface 171 and a diplexer (duplexer) 177,that couples the transmit signal 155 to the antenna to produce outboundRF signal 170 and couples inbound signal 152 to produce received signal153. Alternatively, a transmit/receive switch can be used in place ofdiplexer 177. While a single antenna is represented, the receiver andtransmitter may share a multiple antenna structure that includes two ormore antennas. In another embodiment, the receiver and transmitter mayshare a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna structure,diversity antenna structure, phased array or other controllable antennastructure that includes a plurality of antennas. Each of these antennasmay be fixed, programmable, and antenna array or other antennaconfiguration. Also, the antenna structure of the wireless transceivermay depend on the particular standard(s) to which the wirelesstransceiver is compliant and the applications thereof.

In operation, the transmitter receives outbound realtime data 162 andoutbound non-realtime data 163 from a host device, such as communicationdevice 10 or other source via the transmitter processing module 146. Thetransmitter processing module 146 processes the outbound realtime data162 and outbound non-realtime data 163 in accordance with a particularwireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID,GSM, CDMA, et cetera) to produce baseband or low intermediate frequency(IF) transmit (TX) signals 164 that contain outbound realtime data 162and/or outbound non-realtime data 163. The baseband or low IF TX signals164 may be digital baseband signals (e.g., have a zero IF) or digitallow IF signals, where the low IF typically will be in a frequency rangeof one hundred kilohertz to a few megahertz. Note that the processingperformed by the transmitter processing module 146 can include, but isnot limited to, scrambling, encoding, puncturing, mapping, modulation,and/or digital baseband to IF conversion.

The up conversion module 148 includes a digital-to-analog conversion(DAC) module, a filtering and/or gain module, and a mixing section. TheDAC module converts the baseband or low IF TX signals 164 from thedigital domain to the analog domain. The filtering and/or gain modulefilters and/or adjusts the gain of the analog signals prior to providingit to the mixing section. The mixing section converts the analogbaseband or low IF signals into up-converted signals 166 based on atransmitter local oscillation 168.

The radio transmitter front end 150 includes a power amplifier and mayalso include a transmit filter module. The power amplifier amplifies theup-converted signals 166 to produce outbound RF signals 170, which maybe filtered by the transmitter filter module, if included. The antennastructure transmits the outbound RF signals 170 to a targeted devicesuch as a RF tag, base station, an access point and/or another wirelesscommunication device via an antenna interface 171 coupled to an antennathat provides impedance matching and optional bandpass filtration.

The receiver receives inbound RF signals 152 via the antenna andoff-chip antenna interface 171 that operates to process the inbound RFsignal 152 into received signal 153 for the receiver front-end 140. Ingeneral, antenna interface 171 provides impedance matching of antenna tothe RF front-end 140, optional bandpass filtration of the inbound RFsignal 152 and optionally controls the configuration of the antenna inresponse to one or more control signals 141 generated by processingmodule 225.

The down conversion module 142 includes a mixing section, an analog todigital conversion (ADC) module, and may also include a filtering and/orgain module. The mixing section converts the desired RF signal 154 intoa down converted signal 156 that is based on a receiver localoscillation 158, such as an analog baseband or low IF signal. The ADCmodule converts the analog baseband or low IF signal into a digitalbaseband or low IF signal. The filtering and/or gain module high passand/or low pass filters the digital baseband or low IF signal to producea baseband or low IF signal 156. Note that the ordering of the ADCmodule and filtering and/or gain module may be switched, such that thefiltering and/or gain module is an analog module.

The receiver processing module 144 processes the baseband or low IFsignal 156 in accordance with a particular wireless communicationstandard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID, GSM, CDMA, et cetera) toproduce inbound realtime data 160 and inbound non-realtime data 161. Theprocessing performed by the receiver processing module 144 can include,but is not limited to, digital intermediate frequency to basebandconversion, demodulation, demapping, depuncturing, decoding, and/ordescrambling.

GPS receiver 187 includes an RF front-end 140′ and down conversionmodule 142′ that operate in a similar fashion to the modules describedin conjunction with RF receiver 137, however, to receive and convert GPSRF signals 143 into a plurality of down converted GPS signals 159. Notethat the GPS RF signals 143 may be one or more of: an L1 band at 1575.42MHz, which includes a mix of navigation messages, coarse-acquisition(C/A) codes, and/or encryption precision P(Y) codes; an L2 band at1227.60 MHz, which includes P(Y) codes and may also include an L2C code;and/or an L5 band at 1176.45 MHz. Further note that the GPS RF signals143 can include an RF signal from a plurality of satellites (e.g., up to20 different GPS satellites RF signals may be received). GPS processingmodule 144′ operates on the down converted signal 159 to generate GPSdata 163, such as GPS position data 212 and GPS data quality signal 216and/or other GPS data.

Processing module 225 generates one or more control signals 141 basedeither motion parameters, such as motion vector 202 and GPS data 163,such as GPS position data 212, or control data received in inbound data160 from a remote station such as access point 110. In operation,processing module 225 generates control signals 141 to modify thetransmit and/or receiver parameters of the RF transceiver 125 such asprotocol parameters used by receiver processing module 144 andtransmitter processing module 146, antenna configurations used byantenna interface 171 to set the beam pattern, gain, polarization orother antenna configuration of the antenna, transmit power levels usedby radio transmitter front-end 150 and receiver parameters, such asreceiver sensitivity used by RF front-ends 140 and 140′ of the RFreceiver 137 and the GPS receiver 187.

As previously described, processing module 225 generates motion data,such as position data 230 and velocity data 232, from one or more motionparameters 161 and optionally includes this motion data in outbound data162 that is transmitted to a remote station such as access point 110,base station, telephone network, etc.

In addition, processing module 225 can optionally access a look-uptable, database or other data structure that includes a list or datasufficient to define one or more restricted areas where either theoperation of the communication device 10, 30, 30′ or 125 is prohibitedor the communication device 10, 30, 30′ or 125 is not permitted totransmit. The restricted areas could correspond to hospitals, airplanesin the air, security areas or other restricted areas. When the positioninformation corresponds to one of these restricted areas, the RFtransceiver 137 or just the RF transmitter 127 could be disabled byprocessing module 225 via one or more control lines 141 in accordancewith the corresponding restriction in place for this particularrestricted area.

In an embodiment of the present invention, receiver processing module144, GPS processing module 144′ and transmitter processing module 146can be implemented via use of a microprocessor, micro-controller,digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operationalinstructions. The associated memory may be a single memory device or aplurality of memory devices that are either on-chip or off-chip such asmemory 54. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random accessmemory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamicmemory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.Note that when the these processing devices implement one or more oftheir functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the associated memory storing thecorresponding operational instructions for this circuitry is embeddedwith the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry,digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of RF transceiver135′ and with dual mode receiver 137′ in accordance with the presentinvention. In particular, RF transceiver 135′ includes many similarelements of RF transceiver 135 that are referred to by common referencenumerals. However, RF receiver 137′ operates as a dual mode device,combining the functionality of RF receiver 137 and GPS receiver 187 toproduce inbound data/GPS data 160″ as either inbound data 160 (in afirst mode) or GPS data 163 (in a second mode). In this fashion, RFfront end 140″ and down conversion module 142″ can be configured basedone of the control signals 141 to operate as either RF front end 140 anddown conversion module 142 to receive and down convert inbound RF signal153 or as RF front end 140′ and down conversion module 142′ to receiveand convert inbound GPS signal 143 as described in conjunction with FIG.10.

In addition receiver processing module 144″ further includes thefunctionality of receiver processing module 144 and additional GPSprocessing functionality of GPS processing module 144′ to similarlyoperate based on the selected mode of operation.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. RF IC 330, such as RF IC 50 or 70, includes a gyrator die 314with a gyrating circuit such as on-chip gyrator 175 gyrator and an RFsystem on a chip (SoC) die 312 that includes the remaining elements ofRF IC 50, 70 or 70′, a substrate 306, and bonding pads 318. This figureis not drawn to scale, rather it is meant to be a pictorialrepresentation that illustrates the juxtaposition of the RF SoC die 312,gyrator die 314 and the substrate 306. RF SoC die 312 and gyrator dieare coupled to one another and to respective ones of the bonding pads318 using bonding wires, bonding pads and/or by other connections.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. RF IC 332 is similar to the configuration described inconjunction with FIG. 12 is presented with similar elements referred toby common reference numerals. In particular, alternate stackedconfiguration is shown that stacks gyrator die 314 on top of RF SoC die312. In this configuration, RF SoC die 312 and gyrator die 314 can becoupled to one another using bonding wires, bonding pads, conductivevias and/or by other connections. This figure is also not drawn toscale.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. RF IC 334 is similar to the configuration described inconjunction with FIGS. 12 and 13 with similar elements referred to bycommon reference numerals. In this particular configuration, on-chipgyrator 175 is included on RF SoC die 316 that includes the remainingcomponents or RF IC 50, 70 or 70′. This figure is also not drawn toscale.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention. RF IC 325,such as RF IC 50, 70 or 70′, includes a system on a chip (SoC) die 300,a memory die 302 a substrate 306, bonding pads 308 and gyrator 304, suchas on-chip gyrating circuit 175. This figure is not drawn to scale. Inparticular, the RF IC 325 is integrated in a package with a top and abottom having a plurality of bonding pads 308 to connect the RF IC 325to a circuit board, and wherein the on-chip gyrator 304 is integratedalong the bottom of the package. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, die 302 includes an on-chip memory and die 300 includes theprocessing module 225 and the remaining elements of RF IC 50, 70 or 70′.These dies are stacked and die bonding is employed to connect these twocircuits and minimize the number of bonding pads, (balls) out to thepackage. Both SoC die 300 and memory die 302 are coupled to respectiveones of the bonding pads 308 via bonding wires or other connections.

Gyrator 304 is coupled to the SoC die 300, and/or the memory die 302 viaconductive vias, bonding wires, bonding pads or by other connections.The positioning of the Gyrator on the bottom of the package in a flipchip configuration allows good heat dissipation of the gyrator 304 to acircuit board when the RF integrated circuit is installed.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a pictorial representation of an integratedcircuit package in accordance with the present invention. As shown, thebonding pads (balls) 308 are arrayed in an area of the bottom of theintegrated circuit with an open center portion 310 and wherein theon-chip gyrator 304 is integrated in the open center portion. While aparticular pattern and number of bonding pads 308 are shown, a greateror lesser number of bonding pads can likewise be employed withalternative configurations within the broad scope of the presentinvention.

While RF ICs 325, 330, 332 and 334 provide several possibleimplementations of RF ICs in accordance with the present invention,other circuits including other integrated circuit packages can beimplemented including other stacked, in-line, surface mount and flipchip configurations.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial representation of GPS device 270 in accordance anembodiment of with the present invention. In particular a GPS device 270is shown that includes operates in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention to generate GPS position and/orvelocity information based on the use of a GPS receiver, such as GPSreceiver 210 or GPS receiver 198 and a on-chip gyrating circuit, such ason-chip gyrator 175 or gyrating circuit 200. A keypad 272 is includedthat includes buttons that allow a user to enter data, make selectionsand to otherwise interface with the GPS device 270. In one mode ofoperation, display 274 displays the current heading, speed, andcoordinates of the device. In additional modes of operation, the GPSdevice 270 is operable to interact with a user to plan, track, store andselect various routes, to predict future positions, to store and selectpoints of interest, to receive directions to a particular point ofinterest, both visually using display 274 and audibly using audiowarnings or audio prompts generated by speaker 276. Wireline port 64provides an interface to a computer or other host device to download orupload map data, routes, points of interest, tracks or other data,software and firmware to and from the GPS device 270. In addition, GPSunit can optionally be powered or charged by the wireline port 64 whenconnected to the host device.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial representation of GPS device 270 in accordance anembodiment of with the present invention. In particular, GPS device 270is shown in a map display mode where the position of the device is shownon the display 274 as a circle that is superimposed on a map of thecurrent location, While a road map is shown, other maps includinggeographical maps, geological maps, contour maps, or other maps couldlikewise be presented. In addition, indicators show progress of devicealong a route, such as the dotted arrow and associated text thatindicates the next turn.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anintegrated circuit in accordance an embodiment with the presentinvention. GPS device 270 is implemented with RF IC 90 having similarelements of RF IC 50, 70 or 70′ that are referred to by common referencenumerals and that can be implemented in an IC package in a similarfashion. While a particular circuit is shown with certain elements beingincluded as part of RF IC 90 and other discrete components being coupledthereto, other boundaries between integrated and discrete components canlikewise be employed in the present invention, with preferably most orall of the components of GPS 270 being included on a single integratedcircuit. Further, while the GPS receiver 77 is shown in an on-chipconfiguration, an off-chip CPS receiver, such as GPS receiver 77′ canalso be implemented in an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use inconjunction with one or more of the functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-19. In step 400, a motion parameter isgenerated based on motion of the device using an on-chip gyratingcircuit and/or a GPS receiver. In step 402, the motion parameter isprocessed to produce motion data. In step 404, outbound data isgenerated that includes the motion data. In step 406, an outbound RFsignal is generated from outbound data. In step 408, the outbound RFsignal is transmitted to a remote station.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the motion data includes anindication that a device is a mobile device, position information,velocity information, and/or an acceleration. Step 404 can insert motiondata in the outbound data periodically.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular a method is presented for use inconjunction with the method of FIG. 20. In addition, step 500 isincluded for comparing current motion data to past motion data. In step502, the method detects when the difference between the current motiondata and past the motion data compares unfavorably to a motion changethreshold. If so, step 404 includes motion data in the outbound data.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention; and In particular a method is presented for usein conjunction with the method of FIG. 20. In addition, step 510 isincluded for generating inbound data from an inbound RF signal receivedfrom the remote station. Further, step 404 includes motion data in theoutbound data in response to a request for the motion data included inthe inbound data.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular a method is presented for use inconjunction with the method of FIGS. 20-22. In addition, step 520 isincluded for generating inbound data from an inbound RF signal receivedfrom remote station, wherein the inbound data includes control data thatis determined by the access point based on the motion data. In addition,the method includes step 522 for modifying a transmit parameter and/orreceive parameter of an RF transceiver in response to the control data.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method in accordance withthe present invention. In particular a method is presented that can beused with the other functions and features of the present inventiondescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-23. In step 530, motion data isgenerated from a GPS receiver and/or a gyrating circuit. This data caninclude position information, velocity information and/or acceleration.In step 532, transmit and/or receive parameters of an RF receiver and/orreceive parameters of the GPS receiver are modified in response to themotion data.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” and/or includes direct couplingbetween items and/or indirect coupling between items via an interveningitem (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, anelement, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, theintervening item does not modify the information of a signal but mayadjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As mayfurther be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element iscoupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirectcoupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As mayeven further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that anitem includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s),etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may furtherinclude inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may stillfurther be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes directand/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item beingembedded within another item. As may be used herein, the term “comparesfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items,signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when thedesired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude thansignal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude ofsignal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude ofsignal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid ofmethod steps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid offunctional building blocks illustrating the performance of certainsignificant functions. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description.Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significantfunctions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocksmay also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certainsignificant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram blockboundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and stillperform the certain significant functionality. Such alternatedefinitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocksand sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimedinvention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that thefunctional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules andcomponents herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discretecomponents, application specific integrated circuits, processorsexecuting appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

1. An integrated circuit (IC) comprising: a on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the IC; a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives a GPS signal and that generates GPS position data based on the GPS signal; a processing module, coupled to the on-chip gyrating circuit and the GPS receiver, that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data and that generates position information based on the GPS position data.
 2. The IC of claim 1 wherein the motion data includes a first motion vector and wherein processing module generates estimated position data based on the GPS position data and based on the first motion vector.
 3. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module generates estimated position data based on a past value of the GPS position data and a current value of the first motion vector.
 4. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module generates estimated position data based on a difference between a current value of the GPS position data and a past value of the GPS position data and based on a current value of the first motion vector.
 5. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module generates estimated position data based on a filtered difference between a current value of the GPS position data and a past value of the GPS position data and a filtered value of the first motion vector.
 6. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module generates estimated position data based on a past value of the GPS position data and a current value of the first motion vector during a start up condition.
 7. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module generates future position data based on the GPS position data and based on the first motion vector.
 8. The IC of claim 2 wherein the processing module receives a GPS data indication that indicates a GPS data quality.
 9. The IC of claim 8 wherein the processing module generates the position information based on estimated position data when the GPS data indication compares unfavorably to a first value.
 10. The IC of claim 8 wherein the processing module generates position information based on GPS position data when the GPS data indication compares favorably to the first value.
 11. The IC of claim 8 wherein the processing module generates velocity information based the GPS position data and based on the first motion vector.
 12. The IC of claim 11 wherein the processing module generates the velocity information based on the first motion vector when the GPS data indication compares unfavorably to a first value.
 13. The IC of claim 11 wherein the processing module generates velocity information based on GPS position data when the GPS data indication compares favorably to the first value.
 14. The IC of claim 11 further comprising: an RF transceiver, that generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and that generates inbound data from an inbound RF signal; wherein the processing module generates the outbound data to include the velocity information, and receives the inbound data.
 15. The IC of claim 1 wherein the processing module adjusts a receiver parameter of the GPS receiver based on the motion parameter.
 16. The IC of claim 1 further comprising: an RF transceiver, that generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and that generates inbound data from an inbound RF signal; wherein the processing module generates the outbound data to include the position information, and receives the inbound data.
 17. An integrated circuit (IC) comprising: a on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the IC, wherein the on-chip gyrating circuit is implemented with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology; a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives a GPS signal and that generates GPS position data based on the GPS signal; a processing module, coupled to the on-chip gyrating circuit and the GPS transceiver, that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data and that generates at least one of, position information and velocity information, based on the GPS position data.
 18. A global positioning system (GPS) device comprises: an integrated circuit (IC) that includes: a package substrate that supports, an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates the motion parameter based on motion of the wireless communication device, and wherein the package substrate further supports a die having: a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives a GPS signal and that generates GPS position data based on the GPS signal; and a processing module, coupled to the on-chip gyrating circuit and the GPS transceiver, that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data and that generates position information based on the GPS position data; an antenna structure coupled to receive the GPS signal; and a display device that generates a GPS display based on position information. 